 Never underestimate how much a roof can impact a sale.
If it's not up to par, some buyers will walk away or turn the roof into a major sticking point of negotiations. On the other hand, a beautiful roof can give potential buyers all the reason they need to make a competitive offer. And that's precisely why you must grow your knowledge of this essential home feature.
In addition to the shape of the roof - whether it's a gambrel, a gable, or a Mansard - the material used for roofing can make an enormous impact on the look and style of a house. Let's take a look at the various types of roof materials and the pros and cons of each.
All Roofs Not Created Equal
The longevity of a roofing material is somewhat dependent on the climate, so estimates of lifespan are approximate and also depend on whether the material is properly installed.
Here are six commonly used roofing materials that you should be able to identify and discuss with clients.
- Slate roofs: Pretty and pricey. This is one of the best, most beautiful, and architecturally significant roofing materials. It's a beautiful blue-grey stone that lasts anywhere from 70 to 100 years or more. Slate is very expensive and the prospect of having to replace a slate roof will surely be something a buyer will want to keep in mind when negotiating a price for the property. But since these roofs are known for their longevity, they're often worth the investment because a roofing material with a shorter lifespan will have to be replaced many times (at increasing prices) in the period that a slate roof will hold up. Not to mention, it's also environmentally friendlier to use materials that last a long time. Artificial slate is also available, but it typically doesn't have as long of a life span as real slate. However, it still lasts for a few decades or more. Slate is heavy, so a building must be constructed to support the weight.
- Metal roofs: Gaining popularity. These come in a variety of forms, from corrugated metal with ridges to a roof that looks like it is made of shingles. Metal roofs are often chosen in green design because they last a relatively long time (a couple of decades or more) and can be made with recycled materials. Also, metal reflects heat, which can cut down on energy costs in hot climates. However, this roofing material is expensive - and rain or hail can be very noisy.
- Wood shakes or shingles: Natural look. These roofs are usually made with cedar and can last up to 30 or 40 years, depending on the climate. The difference between a shake and a shingle is that shakes are split from a block of wood whereas shingles are sawn from a block of wood. Typically a shake is thicker and more rustic looking than a shingle. In shingle style architecture, wood shingles (or shakes) used as the siding and roof material on a house have a great natural look that weathers well over time.
- Clay tile: Long life span. You can often see these roofs in Mission, Spanish Colonial, and Mediterranean styles of architecture especially in conjunction with stucco siding. Places like California and Florida would be prime places to spot such a roof. The tiles are made with clay or concrete, are fire resistant, and typically last a relatively long time - a few decades or more. The tile is heavy, so that a house must be built to hold up the weight. It's possible to find salvaged tile roofs, which would be a very environmentally friendly way to re-roof.
- Asphalt shingles: Functional, affordable. This is perhaps the most ubiquitous and least expensive roofing material. These roofs come in a variety of colors and shades, from black to greenish to reddish hues. They don't have the architectural substance of other roofing materials, but they are also perfectly functional and widely used. They typically last about 15 to 20 years, a shorter time than other materials mentioned above.
- Vegetated roofs: Green design. Also known as green roofs, vegetated roofs are a staple in green design. Grasses and plants, such as wild strawberries, grow on the roof over a water-tight layer. The soil and plants help to keep the roof cool (which reduces energy costs), help to mitigate water run-off from rain, and generally make the house blend in with its surroundings. This is a new take on a very old idea, seen on buildings for many centuries. The building needs to be able to sustain the weight, and the pitch of the roof has to accommodate the plants.
Talking About the Roof
When discussing any roofing material, you should ask an expert how long a particular product will last in a specific climate. For example, if a slate roof needs to be replaced and the cost is prohibitive, a contractor can advise about switching to another material. This is information that is good to have on hand whether you're working for a buyer or a seller.
Preservationists, however, will often argue that the original roof material in an older building should be kept.
A licensed home inspector or an engineer should attest to the condition of the roof during a routine inspection. This will give the buyer an idea of how soon the roof will need to be replaced.
Bottom line: By educating yourself about the different types of roofs and potential roof problems, you'll be able to help your buyers foresee any problems and help buyers know the house from top to bottom.
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